Safiétou Kabengele
Safiétou Kabengele | |
|---|---|
 Safiétou Kabengele in 2024 | |
| Born | |
| Occupation(s) | Export coordinator, model |
| Beauty pageant titleholder | |
| Title | Miss Grand France 2024 |
| Years active | 2021–present |
| Hair color | Bald |
| Eye color | Dark brown |
| Major competition(s) |
|
Safiétou Kabengele is a French-Senegalese model, export coordinator, and beauty queen who was crowned Miss Grand France 2024. She represented France at the Miss Grand International 2024 pageant in Bangkok, Thailand, where she placed as third runner-up. However, on 5 June 2025, she resigned from her title as the third runner-up. Kabengele is noted for her bold expression of authenticity and celebration of diversity in beauty standards.
Early life and career
[edit]Kabengele was born in Dakar, Senegal, and raised in Normandy, France, from infancy. Her multicultural background, encompassing Senegalese and Congolese heritage, has shaped her worldview and personality, allowing her to navigate diverse environments with confidence and pride.[1]
From a young age, she was passionate about various forms of expression, including fashion, dance, and public speaking. Initially lacking self-confidence, it was her family and loved ones who recognized her potential and encouraged her to pursue pageantry. Prior to her involvement in pageantry, she worked as an export coordinator in the pharmaceutical industry, a role that honed her organizational and strategic skills.[1]
Pageantry
[edit]Early pageant experience
[edit]Kabengele's pageant journey began with the Miss Normandie competition for Miss France, where she placed as second runner-up in 2021 and first runner-up in 2022. After two attempts, she decided to compete in Miss Grand France, marking her third major pageant endeavor.[1]
Miss Grand France 2024
[edit]On 8 May 2024, Kabengele represented Normandy at the Miss Grand France 2024 pageant held at the Théâtre de Longjumeau in Paris. She emerged victorious among 17 contestants, earning the title of Miss Grand France 2024. During the competition, she also received special awards including "Best in Swimsuit," "Miss Popularity," and "Miss Social Media."[2][circular reference]
Miss Grand International 2024
[edit]Following her national win, Kabengele represented France at the Miss Grand International 2024 pageant in Bangkok, Thailand. She achieved the position of third runner-up.[3][circular reference]
During the swimsuit round of the semi final of the competition, she stood out by removing a wig and daringly showing her bald head.[4]
Following the competition, Kabengele spoke out about an incident between her and the reigning queen at the time, Rachel Gupta of India.[5]
On 5th June 2025, Kabengele resigned from her title as the third runner up after citing personal attacks and lack of defense or clarification regarding her title from the organisation.[6]
Personal life
[edit]Outside of her modeling and pageant career, Kabengele continues to work as an export coordinator. She is known for her advocacy on issues related to diversity and inclusion, using her platform to inspire and empower others. Kabengele emphasizes the importance of versatility and believes that a woman can excel in multiple fields without limiting herself to a single path.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "Safiétou Kabengele • MISS GRAND INTERNATIONAL 2024". Miss Grand International. Retrieved 2 June 2025.
- ^ "Miss Grand France 2024". Wikipedia. Retrieved 2 June 2025.
- ^ "Miss Grand International 2024". Wikipedia. Retrieved 2 June 2025.
- ^ "VIDÉO. Lors d'un concours de miss international, Safiétou Kabengele fait le buzz en enlevant sa perruque". France 3 Normandie (in French). 28 October 2024. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
- ^ VnExpress. "Miss Grand International runner-up publicly criticizes titleholder - VnExpress International". VnExpress International. Archived from the original on 18 January 2025. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
- ^ "Safiétou Kabengele on Instagram". Instagram. Retrieved 6 June 2025.
External Link
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